OVAS Member’s Star party Reports

Larry Oyster’s report from his observing adventure in California.

Rodger Blake’s comments on the Grand Canyon Star Party.

Tim Lester’s and Don Kemper’s report from the Johnson County Astronomy Fest.

• This is our primary star party link source: Cartmarker's Star party link Like wow. A most excellent and complete list of Star parties organized in 2 Month blocks. Visit their main site which sells "charmarkers and more." Accessories for star gazers.
• The Laurel Highlands Starcruise The Pittsburgh Amateur Astronomers have much to be proud of with the 2001 edition of the Laurel Highlands Star Cruise: They have found an excellent dark sky site with convenient access. The children's activities make this a great family trip. Speakers were superb. Camping facilities were complete. Could not meet a nicer group of people in attendance. Visit Jeff Ball's review of the 2001 years event. Jeff, Larry, Don, Dave, and Rodger as well as Marla, Chris, Evan and Justin enjoyed the 2002 event. So far this is the best FAMILY ORIENTED star party that we've found! We'll be back for 2003. Winner of the OVAS award for the MOST FAMILY FRIENDLY Star party.
• The Black Forrest Star Party Cherry Springs State Park is one of the darkest sites in the state of Pennsylvania and has been designated as Pennsylvania's first Dark Sky Park by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The amateur astronomers who have attended the BFSP can testify that the skies can be great! Ok, this is the serious star party. Want one of the best dark sky sites in the east? This is it. a major observers event.The winner of the OVAS award for BEST LOCATION for a Dark Sky Star Party in the EAST!
• Star Party Etiquette A guide for the uninitiated.
• Another Star party Etiquette site
• "Space.com’s" Star Party Links Page
• The Texas Star party This is the Big grandadddy Star party. The skies in the Davis Mountains of West Texas are the darkest found anywhere in North America. And what more natural setting could welcome amateurs than a frontier so remote and beckoning that Leslie Peltier himself once referred to it as "paradise?" Pros: big, good speakers, dark / Cons: wind, dust
• The Nebraska Star Party This is a big evolving Star party with dark skys. And there are things to do nearby during the day.
• The Grand Canyon Star Party Where else can you go to keep the family happy and occupied all day, and the dark nights will keep even the most jaded of astronomers smiling all night long? How is the observing at the Canyon? Conditions are excellent.
• Oregon Star party It’s in Oregon ok, that’s a long way away.
• Enchanted Skies Star Party It’s in New mexico.
• The Mason Dixon Star Party. I think that Jeff ball has been.
• Chiefland Star party In Florida.